Join us for a day of tradition, history, and community spirit in the charming hamlet of Pultneyville, NY!

Date: Saturday, July 18th, 2026
Time: 8 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: On the grounds of Gates Hall and Centennial Park in Pultneyville, NY
Bring a Lawn Chair

The annual Pultneyville Homecoming Celebration is a community favorite. It is presented the third full weekend of every July.  With the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society as the sponsoring 501(c)(3) organization, Homecoming is planned and presented by an enthusiastic committee of community volunteers.

Coinciding with America 250, this year’s Homecoming theme  is “Let Freedom Ring.”  Don your red, white, and blue apparel, decorate your homes, enter a float, vintage cars, or tractors in the 3pm parade, and celebrate America on July 18th.

Get ready for a bustling day of fun, friends, and celebration as we mark the 66th Annual Pultneyville Homecoming! There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.

• Coffee and Donuts: 8 AM – 10 AM at the Gates Hall Tent
• Free Morning Zumba Gold Class: 8:30 AM at Gates Hall (4107 Lake Road)
• Hip Hop Dance Class: 9:45 AM at Gates Hall (4107 Lake Road)
• Children’s Fun Run: 10:00 AM at Cornwall Preserve (3975 Lake Road)
• Wine and Craft Beer Sale: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Gates Hall Tent (4107 Lake Road)
• Car Show: 1:00-5:00 PM Behind Pulnteyville Reformed Church (7784 Hamilton Street)
• Special Presentation: The Burned Over District: 200 Years Along the Erie Canal by Les Buell
  • Time: 1:30 PM
  • Location: Air-conditioned Historic Gates Hall (4107 Lake Road, Pultneyville)
• Parade: Kicks off at 3:00 PM from Pultneyville Fire Hall around the triangle (4049 Lake Road)
• Live Music in Centennial Park: 4:00-7:00 PM, Enjoy the music of Jim Lane while picnicking in Centennial Park (Food available or bring your own)
• Adult Beverage Tasting Tent: 4:00-7:00 PM at Gates Hall Grounds (4107 Lake Road)
• Face Painting by Starr: 4:30-6:30 PM in Centennial Park

Pearl’s Pie Stand: Slices and whole pies available (helps defray homecoming expenses!)

While all historical experiences are free and open to the public, donations are always gratefully accepted.

Event Details & What to Bring

Pultneyville Homecoming is proudly sponsored by the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society and a host of dedicated community volunteers.

• Attendees are encouraged to bring: Lawn chairs and a well-filled picnic basket.
• Food Options: Alternatively, delicious food items will be available for purchase on-site.

Parking is available in the Pultneyville United Methodist Church parking lot at 7767 Hamilton Street and at the Pultneyville Reformed Church parking lot at 7784 Hamilton Street.

For complete details and a full list of July 18th Homecoming activities, visit the official Homecoming website: www.pultneyvillehomecoming.com

Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society 6th Annual Golf Tournament

Join us for a day of fun, competition & camaraderie on Monday, June 1 at Sodus Bay Heights Golf Club! View Flyer

Register Here

There’s still time to support this important annual fundraiser by:

• Being a sponsor, hole sponsor or making a monetary donation
• Signing up for a tournament round of golf at wphs.ccweb.dev/golf
• Joining us for a delicious Dunn’s at the Heights BBQ Buffet
• at wphs.ccweb.dev/golf – when registering, select Dinner Only

Proceeds from this event help support the ongoing maintenance and improvements to historic Gates Hall.

We’re also adding some exciting new features this year, including an online auction and a separate raffle for a Mixologist’s Raffle Basket valued at $400!

Online Auction

The link below will take you directly to our online auction.  Donations for the auction are still coming in so check back often.  The auction closes on Monday, June 1 at 11:59pm.  Please note that this is slightly different than what was shared on the initial golf tournament information. The online auction will reach a broader audience for a longer timeframe encouraging people to bid often!

[button link=”https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/w-phs-golf-for-gates-hall-auction” type=”big” newwindow=”yes”] Visit the Online Auction[/button]

Mixologist Raffle Basket

Tickets for the Mixologist Raffle Basket will be sold throughout the week and the day of the tournament.  Tickets are $20 each or 3 for $50.  Details to purchase tickets will be shared on Facebook, Instagram and in person.

For any questions, feel free to reach out to Terry Sutherland, Tournament Chair, at tsutherl@rochester.rr.com or 585-314-7813.

Giving Tuesday—always the Tuesday after Thanksgiving—is a global movement that unites people to celebrate and encourage local and regional generosity.

For 501(c)(3) organizations like the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society (W-PHS), this day is a critical opportunity to secure the resources needed to protect, preserve, and promote the rich history of our area.

A New Chapter, A Critical Need
With our exciting move to a new home at 7643 Jay Street, your support on Giving Tuesday is more important than ever.

We are building a vibrant future where we can better serve:

• Members and the local community.
• Students and educators.
• Visitors from near and far.

Support Our Grand Opening
We plan to open our spacious new location to the public in Spring 2026. Your Giving Tuesday gifts will directly support:

• Installation and Expansion: Creating permanent and engaging new exhibits that ensure exceptional visitor experiences.
• A Regional Destination: Helping W-PHS become a leading history and heritage tourism destination in northern Wayne County.

Our new exhibits will celebrate the area’s incredible legacy:

• Agricultural, Cultural, and Maritime History
• Great Lakes Commercial Shipping Port
• The Northern Finger Lakes Region of New York State

Every Gift Counts!
Regardless of the amount, every Giving Tuesday gift moves us closer to our goal. W-PHS sincerely looks forward to both continuing and new support, and we thank our donors in advance for their commitment!

Ready to donate to this worthy cause?

• Online: Please visit www.w-phs.org
• By Mail: Checks may also be mailed to W-PHS, PO Box #92, Pultneyville, NY 14538.

The Annual Meeting of the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society (W-PHS) will be held Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 6 pm in the Pultneyville Masonic Lodge No. 159 Dining Room at 4035 Lake Road, Pultneyville, NY.

The meeting will include a by-reservation dinner at 6 pm followed by the Annual Meeting at 7 pm at which time there will be a brief program presented by Lodge Member, Craig DeNagel, about the original Union Church (now Gates Hall) Cornerstone which was laid by the Masonic Lodge.

The meeting will also include an update by Board Trustee, James Ryan, regarding the recent W-PHS Property Transfer, the election of officers and a vote on proposed revisions to the W-PHS ByLaws.

The Slate of Candidates includes incumbent, Nanette P. Hance, for re-election to the office of President for a two-year term.  Hance has successfully led W-PHS through several challenging years since the pandemic and the aftermath of COVID, which has had a profound impact on all 501(c)(3) volunteer organizations. In her tenure as Vice President and President, she has navigated change including the Board’s difficult, but unanimous, decision to divest W-PHS of its Mill Street property which had been the society’s home since 1996. With concern for ensuring fiscally responsible decisions which are in the best interest of the society, community, and future generations, W-PHS believes it can better serve its members, the community ,and heritage tourism visitors in a larger venue with a better traffic flow conducive to ensuring more comprehensive exhibits and engaging experiences.

The Slate of Candidates also includes James Ryan for election to the Office of Director of Development for a two-year term. Jim joined the Board of Trustees in January 2025, and his expertise and counsel have proven to be invaluable to W-PHS.  Born and raised in Williamson, Jim and Jennifer Fisher Ryan adopted two children from Wayne County foster care: Jonathan, 17 (12th grade) and Emelie, 10 (6th grade).  A member of the Williamson Central School District graduating Class of 1991, Jim is also a graduate of St. John Fisher University (B.A.), Vermont Law School (J.D.) and Boston University (LL.M.). After working as a tax attorney in a boutique law firm outside of NYC for a number of years, he accepted a job at Bausch + Lomb, and returned to Williamson in 2007.  After B+L’s acquisition by Valeant Pharmaceuticals in 2013, Jim accepted a position with Dynalec Corporation in Sodus, NY, where he currently serves legal and contractual in-house needs.

Please note that in accordance with the By-Laws, nominations from the floor by members present and in good standing may be accepted.

Proposed revisions to the By-Laws that have been emailed to members will also be presented to the general membership for approval by members present and in good standing at the Annual Meeting at which one vote per membership is allowed.

Coinciding with Wayne County’s Apple Tasting Tour, the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society (W-PHS) is hosting its 1st Annual Harvest Fling on Saturday, October 4. This event promises a celebration of the region’s rich agricultural heritage with something for everyone.

A Day of Delicious Food, Drink, and Fun

The festivities will take place on the grounds of historic Gates Hall and inside the building itself, featuring a variety of activities:

• Wine & Baked Food Sale (9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.): Under the tent on the Gates Hall grounds, the W-PHS will hold its annual fundraising sale, offering award-winning wines and delicious baked goods from local kitchens.
• Cider Pressing & Tasting (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.): Williamson Town Historian Perry Howland will lead a cider-pressing demonstration and tasting, perfect for all ages.

Educational Talks in Historic Gates Hall

Throughout the day, industry experts will share their knowledge in special presentations inside Gates Hall, America’s oldest, continuously operating small community theater. Seating is first-come, first-served in the 120-seat auditorium, and all talks are free and open to the public.

• 10 a.m.: “Finger Lakes Wines & Beyond” Lorraine Hems, a senior lecturer at Rochester Institute of Technology, will entertain guests with her global expertise in wine, beer, and spirits. A seasoned judge for international competitions, Lorraine will share her love for the great wines of New York State.
• 11 a.m.: “From Orchard to Market” Austin Fowler, a Pultneyville resident and VP of the sixth-generation family business Fowler Farms, will give a special presentation on the apple industry, focusing on how this local industry leader grows apples to ensure “quality and love at first bite.”
• 1 p.m.: The Fruit Industry and Lake Ontario Wine Trail Local grower and former winery owner Herm Young will discuss his experiences in the fruit industry and his instrumental role in establishing the Lake Ontario Wine Trail, which stretches from Monroe County through most of Wayne and into Cayuga County.

Explore and Enjoy the Day

Take a scenic drive to Pultneyville along the southern shore of Lake Ontario and make a day of it! Enjoy the crisp fall air, community camaraderie, and learn about the area’s agricultural heritage. You can also purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win extraordinary gift baskets.

The W-PHS is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving local history. For more information about the historical society, visit their website at www.w-phs.org.

CANCELLED: Singer, Musician & Four-Chair-Turning Performer on “The Voice

Members & Friends of the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society (W-PHS) will gather for our annual Summer Picnic & Program on AUGUST 13th at 6pm at the lakeside home of Peter and Deb Parts located at 3207 Lake Road, Williamson.*

All are asked to bring a well-filled picnic basket with a dish to pass and table-service. Water and coffee will be provided, but please feel free to bring your favorite beverage!

Please also bring your appetite! Plan to relax and enjoy the lake breeze and mesmerizing lake views while socializing.

Picnic-goers will also enjoy a brief program at 7pm about our history-in-the-making “Williamson Farmer’s Market” presented by Chamber of Commerce President, Nicole Wylie.

In addition, we will be treated to a

Steampop Kettle Corn tasting by market vendor, Toni Wilcox, who can be found at the market every Thursday afternoon from 2:30 – 6:30pm on East Main Street, Williamson, with her delicious sweet, salty “popped to perfection” treat!

We look forward to seeing you, your family and friends on August 13th for a “poppin’ good time!”

For the safety of all, off-street parking is available directly across the street from 3207 Lake Road.

*In the event of adverse weather conditions, the picnic will be held in Gates Hall at 4107 Lake Road.

Join local popular pianist and tenor, Thomas DeFisher, as he returns to Gates Hall and takes center stage on Tuesday, August 5th at 7:00 pm. This year, he will be joined by sopranos Joanna Percy and Amelia VanderWoude, also Wheaton College Conservatory of Music students, as they present a program of opera, musical theater, popular music . . . and more.

This performance is part of a northeastern tour that the trio of talented musicians are on this summer, spanning from Detroit, Michigan to Boston, Massachusetts.

Enjoy this Summer 2025 performance in air-conditioned Gates Hall . . . America’s oldest, continuously active small community theatre situated in historic Pultneyville at 4107 Lake Road.

Please note that the evening of the performance tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis and that cash only will be accepted at the door. 

A WPHS Program Presented by Robert Hamlink Ring, Ph.D.
May 7, 2025, 7 pm
Gates Hall, 4107 Lake Road, Pultneyville, NY

It all began almost a year and a half ago with a modest website inquiry for information about a family known to have resided at one time in the Williamson and Wayne County area. Since that time, Rob Ring has left no stone unturned, and no clue unresearched, while putting together the puzzle of his family’s history. Beginning with oral histories and tracing ancestors from Holland to the U. S. here in Pikkleville (East Williamson), he has unearthed many local ties to our community. Based on his research, Rob has skillfully woven together a tapestry of his multi-generational family with the aid of visits, interviews, and research tools which he will share. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 7th,and join W-PHS for this engaging presentation about one man’s approach to building out his family’s story . . . a true labor of love which one day will be a special gift for his children.

While donations are accepted, this program is free and open to the public.

Along with his personal passion for tracing his family’s roots and Dutch connections, which he will share on May 7th, research has always been an integral part of Mr. Ring’s career.

Dr. Robert Ring is CEO of Kaerus Bioscience, a clinical-stage biotech working to develop treatments for individuals with Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disability globally. A neuroscientist by training, Dr Ring is a globally-recognized expert in neurodevelopmental disorders with over 25 years of experience in CNS medicines research and development spanning a unique arc of leadership positions in industry, governmental agencies, and non-profit research foundations.

A W-PHS Historical Fiction Play by Irene Bierer

Sun., April 27, 2025 3 p.m.

Step back in time to 1884 and visit Aaron Brewer’s blacksmith shop, where you’ll encounter colorful characters like John and Mary Jane Gates. Aaron’s big sister forges a bond with Mary, while Alice Brewer Waters leads the charge for local women championing temperance.

Discover the intriguing history of Williamson, a town once bustling with profitable stills and bootleg whiskey. One such operation gets exposed, and you’ll be left guessing who the mysterious revenuer is!

Explore the curious world of phrenology, witness the challenges faced by immigrants striving to fit in, and watch as Kid Goulette fills in for Dr. Fisher in a pinch.

All of this excitement takes place in and around the smithy’s shop, set against the picturesque backdrop of Pultneyville’s lakeshore.